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NY boosts first responder training for oil fires

Posted: 12:36 PM, May 22, 2016

Updated:2016-05-23 09:14:20Z

By:
WKBW Staff

New York state is making a new investment in helping first responders train for oil fires.

The state will use $500,000 in federal funds to purchase a “live fire” training prop to help fire fighters and other emergency personnel learn how to respond to crude oil fires. It is part of a broader effort to prepare for possible accidents involving oil shipping by rail or boat.

The money will go to the New York State Academy of Fire Science, which trains more than 6,000 first responders each year.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office announced the funding decision on Friday. The administration says other efforts to address the risk of oil trains include regular inspections of rail cars and track and joint preparedness planning by state, local and federal officials.